Sparkling Limoncello Raspberry Cooler is a simple and lovely cocktail featuring Limoncello, frozen raspberries, and Italian sparkling wine.
I first published this post in 2010 and was reminded of that when I went to check out the recipe so I could make these Sparkling Limoncello Raspberry Coolers for brunch yesterday. I still can’t make them without thinking of Boston. They are so delightful I though worthy of sharing again; lots of new readers in those fifteen years!
And no surprise to regular readers, I’m an OG blogger and what that means for me is that I still share stories. This blog is both informational for readers but also a history I’ve built as a legacy for my kids. We all love checking out a favorite recipe and being reminded of adventures, relatives long gone, successes and yes, some heartaches. I started putting recipes online in 1995…daresay I won’t be changing that method any time soon…and I appreciate those of you who have stuck with me while Google demands I do it differently! Thank you! ♥♥♥
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After my daughter Emily graduated from college her first job as a teacher was at a private school in the small town of Milford, CT.
The summer after her first year of teaching, I traveled from Denver to New York City where I met my sister Laura who had come in from Wisconsin, and from there we drove to Milford.
We spent a couple of days exploring that charming town and eating a TON of lobster before heading to Boston for five days. Five days of gorgeous weather, never seeing a whale on a boat we went out on just to see whales, and meeting some of the most amazing people.
I sampled Limoncello there for the first time and it truly was ‘love at first sip.’
I’ve heard more than one person lament their own experience in Boston and it usually includes having to deal with rude and impatient people. We were truly blessed; our entire trip was filled with the most fun people imaginable.
We stayed at a charming Bed and Breakfast in the North End that turned out to be a wonderful choice. Continental breakfasts were perfect for our busy schedule and the locale was amazing. Maybe they should have served these Sparkling Limoncello Raspberry Coolers?
I’ve not been to Italy but this felt close in the North End; the language, the humor and the amazing generosity of spirit we experienced.
Everyone was so friendly and fun, even the pet lobster from the Union Oyster House (featured with my daughter and sis above) .
Sure we made it up to Harvard, bought the requisite sweatshirts and at least made of point of driving by Cheers (loved that show). Still I could not wait to get back ‘home’ to our B&B and visit with the local shopkeepers.
On one excursion we ate the best damn Eggplant Marinara sandwich imaginable at a small local deli. That evening we had dinner at what quickly became my favorite restaurant and were treated to an icy cold Limoncello after dinner.
Great dinner, windows open to the street, twinkle lights sparkling everywhere and Limoncello? It was almost magical. Wait, strike that…it WAS magical!
Though I had never had Limoncello before I can promise you this…I’ve never been without it since. The Sparkling Limoncello Raspberry Cooler may have been my first foray into using it for a cocktail but not my last; I’ve even made my own Limoncello!
Since Emily is now in North Carolina and Lauren just moved to Vegas I might be making a pitcher of these for Mother’s Day. Just for me. They are a light and lovely cocktail that make the transition from brunch to an afternoon apertif without a problem.
Originally inspired by a recipe from Giada De Laurentiis when a friend made her Blueberry Cooler with sparkling water instead of Prosecco; I’m certain it is a great light ‘cooler’ but I did not have blueberries or sparkling water on hand.
Luckily I did have sparkling wine (no big surprise right?). I am a huge fan of both Cava (sparkling wine from Spain) and Prosecco (the same from Italy) and love it mixed with other liqueurs.
Doesn’t Limoncello and Prosecco seem like the perfect Italian cocktail? The Sparkling Limoncello Raspberry Cooler is very similar to a Mimosa…different glass and a liqueur with fresh fruit but you could easily serve this in a champagne glass to add that festive flair.
A cooler is defined as a drink that is generally a refreshing, chilled alcoholic beverage, often with a light, fruity flavor and a low alcohol content. It’s typically made by mixing spirits, fruit juices, and sometimes carbonated water. Coolers are known for being easy to drink, especially in warm weather or outdoor settings. Perfect description!
With the addition of raspberries instead of the blueberries Giada had used, the result is even prettier and I can see it gracing many a table during the summer and for special events all year long. Want to take it beyond the apertif? A bit of vodka is a nice addition and of course I tested it to make sure…just for you! Salut!
Make this for your Mom for Mother’s Day or for yourself any day…I promise it’s perfect!
Favorite Limoncello Cocktails
PIN IT! ‘Sparkling Limoncello Raspberry Cooler’
Sparkling Limoncello Raspberry Cooler
A light and lovely warm weather cocktails, this Sparkling Limoncello Raspberry Cooler is delicious!
For Garnish
10 Fresh raspberries approximately 5 per cocktail2 sprigs mint
To Make the Cocktails
2 ounces Limoncello liqueur cold (I keep mine in the freezer; it doesn’t freeze because of the alcohol content)4 ounces cold sparkling wine or lemon flavored sparkling mineral water for a mocktail
Put your glasses in the freezer if possible, or at least the fridge so that they are cold.
Put the raspberries on a plate; separated from each other and place in the freezer at least 15 minutes before serving time
Gently ‘smush’ a couple of small mint leaves and add to each glass along with 5-6 of the frozen raspberry ice cubes.
Add limoncello, stir and then finish with the sparkling wine or water.
The proportions for this cocktail use less Limoncello than Giada did. You might want to have a higher proportion of Limoncello but I thought this was perfect.
Nutrition Facts
Sparkling Limoncello Raspberry Cooler
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
